How To Apply A Water Based Finish - Finishing 001

Water based finishes can be a little tricky to apply. They dry fast which means you have to apply them fast. Check out how I apply them in my bi-weekly finishing how-to video.
Supplies used in this video (Affiliate links below help support this channel)
Foam brushes: amzn.to/1OFwcmC
Synthetic brush: amzn.to/1Reqo5z
Minwax Polycrylic: amzn.to/1OFwkCA
General Finishes Enduro-Var: amzn.to/1VRRVce
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Sean Walker
PO Box 1502
Versailles, KY 40383

[@kirkgud3187]

after applying 10 coats and buying 3 different expensive brushes and not getting the smooth surface I was looking for on a table I made, I tried the foam brush, perfection finally, I didn't think it could be that easy, thanks for the info

[@dot803]

Awesome.... I am right there with you. Very frustrating!

[@jane1385]

Same here but I bought about 5 different expensive brushes and about 9 topcoats till it looked completely plastic! Going sand it down again and then attempt it with a new can of poly and a foam brush! 🤞🏼

[@outlawbackwoods931]

You can't go over the same place more then once. It will cause streaks in the polycrylic

[@michelebarnes4059]

I love it when an instructor explains WHY you need this technique. Thank you for your kindness.

[@andreacarr8680]

I loved your video- it was just what I was looking for- a simple example shown with partial boards vs. a lengthy video time lapsed of someone doing w/ a whole project. Good info, condensed & great clarity. Thank you!

[@Babyjohn8170]

The way you explained the process was clear and easy to follow. You have a new subscriber.😃👍

[@Simplecove]

Awesome, thank you!

[@southparkgdp]

For large surfaces like desks. Do what you normally do for your foundational coats. This is for your FINAL finish. Make a 50/50 Poly/Water mix and mix well. Dip a cloth into the mix and spread it liberally over the surface. Make sure everything is covered evenly. Then take the cloth and make continuous, end-to-end strokes with the grain. Make sure it looks good in reflected light. Go around and clean up the edges and look for any drips or pooling areas. It will dry very fast and it will be very smooth. No further sanding should be required.

[@HeRacesTheSun]

Good info! Tip; You should be stirring liquid from top to bottom with an arc motion, bringing what's on the bottom to the top. Not simply stirring in a circle like he's doing here, it doesn't exchange liquids form top to bottom. Like mixing settled orange juice, the solids are settled on the bottom, need to turn container upside down a few times for proper mixing, not just swish side to side. Same thing applies to all liquids like this that need stirring, bottom to top mixing, not just a circle stir that won't intermix what's on the bottom with what's on the top.

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

I've also had great success applying water-borne ploy using my HVLP sprayer. The finish can be slightly thinned and easily sprayed on. I got a factory refurb HVLP for under $50 and it works well.

[@Simplecove]

+John Treble Yeah thats a great tip, Jon! I would love to dip into HVLP, but don't have the room so i'm stuck with wipe on finishes.

[@carlcox7332]

I bought a 100$ home right hvlp and it works beautifully with the Minwax polycrylic with the smallest tip/needle set and tge poly thinned with maybe 2 tbls of water to a quart. I did some shelves. I brushed one coat and sanded smooth with 220 then sprayed 3 more coats and just used a light scotchbrite pad to gently remove the dust nibs between coats. The final reult was a perfect satin sheen. It reminded me of the factory finish you see on the guitar neck on a fender Stratocaster. I was blown away that I could get a finish that smooth with a 100$ hvlp

[@InterWebGuy99]

Great demo. I've been very satisfied with the Minwax clear coat. As you said just don't grind the hell out of the finish when you're sanding between coats.

[@nature1960]

Thank you I am at the point on dresser drawers and your video helped me make my decision.

[@bobleeswoodshop7919]

I like the water base finish the easy clean up and less smells inside the house .regards Bob Lee

[@Simplecove]

+Robert Lee I totally agree! My latest cabinet still smells like varnish 2 weeks later. Thanks for watching

[@ThekiBoran]

@Mike Studmuffin Try General Finishes high performance water based top coat. You won't be disappointed. It can be sprayed or brushed on. It's also very durable and no, I don't work for General Finishes.

[@ifollowjesus1667]

Nice! Thank you

[@ambarrios2303]

Great video! Excellent job providing details and explanations. This was all very helpful!

[@matthewanders4635]

Boss mode. To the point. THANK You Sir

[@christinakinne9790]

Thank You for making that sweet and simple!

[@epoxyfreelifestyle842]

Appreciate the simple explanation of application.

[@brianpeterson3752]

Applying poly with a foam brush? Straining it before applying? Deadly. Poly turns out bubbly when any air is introduced into the liquid while it's being applied. You need to use a very high quality brush with thick bristles, soak it in water (if you're using water-based, mineral spirits if using oil based) to take out air from the brush, and then apply the poly extremely slowly and deliberately with long, minimal brush strokes.

[@lw216316]

better to apply with a rag ? (about to start my first project, advice please)

[@kittkatt032]

Yup!

[@lbjordan5082]

How long does it take to cure?

[@lw216316]

I went ahead and used a rag...glad I did....it turned out great.

[@albertthecur48]

LMAO

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Extremely helpful video! Thanks so much. 💛😎

[@timcgrew]

Great video. Just like all your videos. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with the KZbin community.

[@Simplecove]

Thanks Tim!

[@anat6395]

And can you use this over painted wood?

[@djjackson-pickett7558]

Thank you!!!!

[@roadstar499]

I been doing research and these type of water based products are also being used to seal painted counter tops...I am pretty sure they don't release harmful vapor...nice demo...

[@jenniferdanesi8225]

roadstar499 that's why I'm here. I've painted and now I'm about to seal and I'm having 2nd thoughts about my polycrylic.

[@olipranks1844]

Thanks SimpleCove!

[@MichaelBorne-rh8co]

I installed a new entry back door, at the back of the house. It had 3 pieces of trim around the door/casing, the trim was prob cheapest pine door casing trim Lowes or HD had 20 yrs ago. It looked good though, held up over the yrs. It had stain and some type of clear over that. Anyway, the pieces were damaged when removing them and had to go buy 3 sticks of door/window casing trim from Lowes for replacement. The trim is raw pine, about 8 bucks for 7' sticks. I stained them with minwax "cognac" color stain. They look good, now I need to clear that and wondered if I should just use the water polycrylic. Or is it best to use oil based polyurethane? Don't forget, the trim is cheap box store pine. I've never stained door trim pieces before, sort of worried about the clear now because the 3 pieces I stained look pretty good and I def don't want to have to do any of it again because I screw up the clear coating! Hey, does anybody ever just buy a can of poly in the aerosol cans? And just spray it on things like the trim I did?? Can I just do that? Thanks for the video!

[@rw7532]

I am looking to use the polycrylic. Looks like it brought out the natural color of the wood. It went for a dull light brown to a really nice looking brownish red rich color. Am I seeing that correctly.?

[@JulianPaulJonesSfatcu]

Wonderful! Thank you very much for sharing! I will definitely try it. Julian

[@SidersRemixed]

At the end, do you simply buff it with a white 3m scotch brite pad? Or do you use some sort of wax with it?

[@johnc1280]

I just painted my kitchen cabinets. For the interior shelving (which I painted as well with white latex paint) what do you recommend to fortify up the surface for all the heavy traffic that they’ll be enduring? I’ve read oil based polys may ‘yellow up’ the white paint over time

[@stingray427man]

Ive actually had great results, wet sanding 1000 grit between polycrylic coats.

[@AereForst]

Would this be a good finish to seal a bathroom stained wood frame? there will be exposure to steam from the shower from about 3 to 4 feet away

[@daveleighton4683]

I prefer water based sealers because they leave the piece looking more natural than solvent based varnishes and they seem to handle the effects of sun better.

[@33SpookyNerd]

That was so easy and helpful, thanks!

[@HawkFest]

thank your for your efforts. At 2:08, I didn't understand what was said: "pueer twenty grit sand paper" (while the number is hidden by your hand but we can see "3")?

[@MrBritrider]

Thanks for the video. Can you get a super glossy finish on Polycrylic by polishing out with a buffer and rubbing compound followed with polish? Most videos on YT only show doing this with oil based Poly..

[@daveforgot127]

Great video but you lose me at the end when you said if you find any dust to wait 7 to 10 days and then wax pad it. What is that ? How is that done? Thanks

[@AsilandNefer]

Thanks for the information!

[@lookingatyouforever]

Thank you!

[@derrickpritchard3663]

Thanks for the information. It's saved me a lot of mistakes.

[@edouardst-pierre3817]

Great video! Thank you.

[@rmhutchins7]

I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Thank you!

[@jokejazz]

Thanks for a great video, hoping to get results similar to yours.

[@smcdaniel3894]

Very informative. One thing I’m confused about, you said the final coat to wax with white 3m scotchbrite pad. Am I applying wax or light sanding.? Thanks

[@tinaknutsen]

Nice video. TFS

[@pinoythinkingcolorofficial2609]

Love it sir,very impormative.watching from philippines.we have also KZbin chanel sir.about paint mixing.

[@gsilcoful]

Sean, I enjoy your videos and find that you explain things simply and clearly. My dad wont use a foam brush, says it makes bubbles. Is that your experience?

[@Simplecove]

Every finishing method has it's negatives. Whether you spray, use a foam brush or a synthetic brush, you can have problems. It's all about knowing how to fix them and trying to avoid them. I did not get any bubbles in the enduro-var but did get some in 1 coat of the polycrylic. To fix it, I just sanded and applied another coat.

[@gsilcoful]

Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate the info very much.

[@KTFG]

Excellent video, thanks. Liked and subbed.

[@lukealvarez6096]

This helped me a lot thanks

[@toddbill6878]

Thanks for the good tips! Appreciate ya!

[@mohammedabdallah1466]

i like to use water based varnish over shellac , i tested it with a small piece of wood and it seems to be okay. but as i am not much expert in wood finishing i would like to hear your opinion on using water-based varnish over shellac . i am using raw shellac flakes mixed with red alcohol, and i don't know if it is waxed or not

[@nkel6111]

what was the first finish @ 1:00 ? and the poly...what use, exterior or interior use? sm for first application?

[@ColinMill1]

I guess it depends what sort of finish you want to achieve but I have to say that, for the kind of finish I like (where it still looks like wood and not a piece of glossy wood-effect plastic), applying water-based acrylic with a foam pad is perfect. I apply perhaps 5 or 6 coats with the pad only just moist enough to wet the surface and work it fairly firmly. I use a warmed, ventilated chamber to help accelerate the drying (that is, with such thin coats very fast anyway) so I can sand and put down subsequent coats in well under the normal 2 hour interval. No way am I going back to applying it with a brush.

[@CraigLafferty]

I use the foam pad with a panty hose footie wrapped around it.

[@ColinMill1]

@@CraigLafferty How very sporting of you to admit it on a public forum 8-)= Seriously though that sounds like a good idea - I'll give it a try. Thanks.

[@frankbiz]

Very helpful 👍🏻

[@azimmey]

Thank you for the video, I went with the instructions on the canned and it said use a very good synthetic brush which I did every single coat that I did I got some bubbles in certain areas scenarios are perfectly smooth no bubbles nothing it’s beautiful. But some places it’s just a lot of bubbles and is drive me crazy I can’t resend it because it leaves sandbox so it was a foam brush the answer? And if it’s not how do you get air bubbles out of the finished coat? Without scratching it up

[@BurtBowers]

Is it really necessary to apply so many coats of this stuff & having to sand in between the coats what happens if I just apply couple coats without sanding on an already stained piece of mahogony?

[@genesmay4877]

Sanding will make it super smooth and give depth. Unsanded will leave possible brush strokes, dust nibs, rough, dull look.

[@donzi32boats80]

I wish I would of found this video prior to laying down my polyurethane ( water based ). My first project wasn't going well, after watching this video an applying the concepts, theres hope. Thank you!!

[@stoplying]

I'm planning on using the General Finishes satin top coat on my kitchen cabinets that I am painting with the GF milk paint. Would I need to sand in between top coat applications since the cabinets are a milk paint finish and not a natural wood? Thanks for the video, good stuff!

[@maryannalmeida3873]

I stained a dresser with oil based stain and used water based poly but some spots looks like it didn't get enough how do I fix

[@namsoemmanson8338]

Can the process used on the concrete wall?

[@GJJC13]

Great video. Questions: 1) Which is more durable and better finish: General Finishes Enduro-Var or the Polycrilic? 2) Can these be sprayed and would the end result be smoother?

[@susans_painted_blessings]

or Gator Hide Dixie Belle!

[@kennethnied5242]

Nice demonstration. I noticed that you criss-crossed the two pieces between the original coats and the second coats. The first Polycrylic coat went on the smaller piece and the other finish on the larger. When you applied the second coat, the Poly went on the larger. No big deal, just something I noticed. I like using Polycrylic because of the water-based cleanup and fast drying time (2 hrs. or less), though I prefer the satin finish to the high gloss. But I'm not making "show" pieces like coffee tables, etc. High gloss might be more suitable for those.

[@Simplecove]

Thanks for the reply. I just watched again and It may appear that I crisscrossed them but I didn't. I think I confused the matter by putting the small board on the left for the first coat (Enduro-Var) and then moving it to the right for the second coat.

[@cadjoe77]

Actually you did mix them up. You can see the different sizes of the boards.

[@Simplecove]

Actually I didn't. I moved the boards but also moved the finish I applied. As I mentioned to Kenneth. I moved the small board from the left to right but also moved the endurovar from left to right, thus applying the same finish.

[@gasousman]

Hi. I mistakenly used Polyacrylic instead of water based polyurethane on a butcher block counter top (Lowe's had it sitting right next to their oil based polyurethane). Now, months later, the paper from boxes, like cereal or popcorn, sticks to the polyacrylic. I then have to scrape the paper free. How can I fix this?

[@anat6395]

So what happens if you only do one coat of the polycrylic?

[@wendykerney2103]

Why did I end up with little whitish clumps on my finish piece. I had to redo it!

[@Simplecove]

Most likely either dirty brush or old/dirty can of finish.

[@rongmohor]

Between these two varnishes which is best for handpainted phone case

[@rosegeraci373]

I spilled some on my laminate floor! Any tips on how to remove it?

[@rheyza4475]

Love your vids man!

[@dianev100]

Does the color of the wood get darker with each subsequent layer of stain?

[@LITTLEROCK2517]

Yo

[@sharlenedanchuk3625]

Are all black foam brushes the same? I applied poly to a painted drawer once and found little specks of black foam all in my finish. Now I’m worried about using one again. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

[@willie90210]

Question for you, how can I make water base clear polyurethane darker? (Oak)

[@voxagreed]

Hello, in the case of water-based polyurethane, what samples can be applied to a wooden staircase?

[@randykelley2122]

So do you sand and wipe down with a wet rag on your very last coat also?

[@alcameron6071]

I’m going to be staining some red oak boards for my tape deck. Can you use a pre-conditioner not of the same company that makes the stain I want to use? The stain I am using is ninwax but they don’t sell small cans like they do with their stains. Another brand does sell smaller cans. Is it OK to use two different manufacturers? Thanks.

[@isapalmer]

Can I use a foam roller to apply water based polycrylic?

[@bertoc7122]

Can I get away with doing 2-3 coats on Cornhole boards? Or do I need to apply more? Only asking because of time constraints. I do not make the boards, but I purchased a set of unfinished boards and just wanted to know if 2-3 coats is ok and if the bags will play good on them still.

[@draffter4055]

How many foam brushes did you use for this demo?

[@louishollandjr]

What about Water test or over painted Cabinets or Wood. I want Redo a kitchen table with black water base Stain or oil.

[@zacharysmola8032]

I had a problem with brush marks being seen on the wood.

[@aperrins76]

Hi Sean, I'm new to finishing and was wondering if these water based finishes work well with pine or spruce? Would you recommend using a wood conditioner first? See, I told you I was new:) My project I'm attempting is a hanging wood diffuser (wall art with sound acoustic properties) with 144 2x2 pieces scientifically spaced and sized 1"-4" pieces. Sooooo, I'm hoping for a one to two time application product that is safe and easy to work with. Thanks for your help!

[@Simplecove]

+Rue Vision these are the top coats that protect the surface and give them a satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheen. They are not a stain or dye which colors the surface. If you are only putting this over the pine and not staining it, you do not need a conditioner. If you are staining or dying pine, I would recommend using a conditioner unless you use a gel stain as gel stains don't penetrate as deeply. BUT, I always recommend that you make a sample board to make sure it's what you want.

[@jcarlin]

The instructions say to use a synthetic bristle brush and very light coats. You're using a foam brush and thicker coats. Does it work as well that way?

[@Simplecove]

Jason, I wouldn't have used the foam brush if it didn't work as well that way.

[@jcarlin]

@@Simplecove Ask a silly question…

[@loripare3441]

Hi Sean. Great teaching video for a newbie. Would you recommend the foam applicator or using a bristle brush for a beginner? I read all the comments and saw your reply that there are pros and cons to everything. Just curious what you would recommend. I’m planning to seal a sofa table with the no wax polycrylic in satin. Thanks!

[@Simplecove]

Before you apply any of the finishes to the sofa table, I recommend testing on a sample board. The cheapest route would be to use a foam brush to test on the sample board, and if you are able to apply the finish without bubbles, then use the foam brush. But if you for some reason continue to get bubbles, give a bristle brush a try.

[@bujoun76]

Cool..!

[@allisonwhite1779]

What is the best product to put on a outdoor sign? The wood is already stained and acrylic painted. I need something that will not change the paint color also.

[@nicholaskostella6019]

Do not use a finish like poly unless recommended for outdoors. The finish will not last long at all. You need a finish designed for outdoors.

[@fvids1603]

Prep surface strain and spray easiest and best method.

[@Simplecove]

Yeah it is the easiest if you're able to spray. Most don't really have the room for it(including myself).

[@johncleghorne93]

Can you apply water base polycrylic to laminate wraps?

[@132colinnorth]

Comparing a gloss with a semigloss?

[@Simplecove]

No. Showing application methods.

[@efrentaeza3535]

I thought you used oil-based poly on the narrow board. Then when you wiped it with the blue paper that you had wetted with water, you said the coat you had applied was water based. Am I wrong?

[@Simplecove]

Both are water based.

[@charlesholland6851]

cool. i hate finishing. so it is danish oil and briwax for me

[@Simplecove]

+Charles Holland Yeah Oils and varnishes are a lot easier to apply and have more open time. They are my go to finish for sure.

[@jamieflores9691]

Can u mix stain with an water polyurethane finish?

[@dot803]

What causes the tiny bubble? I tried brushing slowly. Tried applying super thin. Just curious if you know or have advice. Thank you for this video! Well done:)

[@ardgross]

The more times you change directions with a foam brush the more bubbles you put into the finish. Foam bushes are not made to "work in" the finish. Think of a foam brush as a squeegie. The fewer strokes you make the smoother your finish will be. Apply the material and smear it around (with the grain).

[@kimkorb]

I'm applying the third coat to my piece tomorrow. I sanded after one and two because I noticed a lot of brush streaks or raising the grain, not sure. I'd like a glossy finish for the third and top coat, any ideas how to achieve that? I'm using a bristle brush. Should I use something else besides the brush for the last coat?

[@Simplecove]

+Kim Korb when you sand, make sure you sand enough to remove the previous brush strokes. When applying the coat, put light pressure on the brush and don't go back over your work.

[@mikeecho33]

so for a bathtub tray can I get away with one coat of the polyacrylic?

[@Simplecove]

No. I would put at least 4-5 coats.

[@ega0117]

How many coats do you apply??? 3 or 10?

[@justinrrizzo]

That polycrylic always bubbles and has many minor imperfections. I don't like it. But it is easy to apply.

[@Simplecove]

Yeah I get similar results. I always buy general finishes high performance which is a water based poly but I feel like it's a better product.

[@mmxxhh13]

320 grid

[@LunaGirl1111]

Do you need ore than one coat of the polycrylic? I painted a buffet and it seems fine with the one coat. Thanks in advance.

[@Simplecove]

I would put at least 2 coats on, sanding lightly after the first coat personally.

[@jamaicanapple]

...and how do you remove it?

[@LITTLEROCK2517]

Yo

[@TBULLETPROOF]

L'équivalent de ca en francais?

[@vinr1187]

Does these finishes seal a picture which is printed on a wood ? I have a picture printed on a wood and I am trying to seal it permanently. Do you have any suggestions ?

[@chrisgraham2904]

You should be fine to use water based poly over a print on wood as long as the printed inks on the wood are not water soluble.

[@danreynolds8028]

Great job but why did you change your shirt?

[@Simplecove]

Really?

[@brianmorrison9168]

I am in the UK so will be using a different brand of water based polyurethane.. How many coats would you recommend for sealing / protecting dining room chairs after they have been chalk painted. Thank you

[@theburningred01]

Can polycrylic be used on exterior, no traffic areas ...and will it hold up in the sun?

[@Simplecove]

I wouldn't use it for exterior projects. I would use an spar varnish which will hold up better

[@theburningred01]

Okay I will try some of that. Thanks for the reply and the info!